Things to Do in Villeneuve-les-Avignon

Top Things to Do in Villeneuve-les-Avignon

Things to Do in Villeneuve-les-Avignon

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Top Attractions in Villeneuve-les-Avignon

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Points of Interest & Landmarks
At the heart of the enclosure created by the walls of Fort Saint-André, which dominates Villeneuve-lez-Avignon (Gard Department), the royal Benedictine Abbey of Saint-André welcomes visitors to its magnificent terraced gardens and abbatial palace. A rare place that harmoniously combines the art of gardens with a mosaic of the heritage and rich history of the Languedoc and Provence regions since the 6th century, the Abbey is open for Independent visits or guided tours from March 1to November 1. Art and music are also regular guests at the Abbey, offering special moments not to be missed. The Gardens Classified among the most beautiful in France, the Abbey's gardens unfold with old roses, Mediterranean natives, and olive and pine trees more than a century old among the remains of Romanesque style churches and tombs dating as far back as the 6th century. At the foot of the abbatial palace lies a parterre garden in 16th century Tuscan style adorned with ponds, vases and sculptures, and bordered by a pergola covered with wisteria and roses. From the heights of Mount Andaon, these terraced gardens offer panoramic views of the Popes' Palace in Avignon across the Rhone River. The Abbatial Palace Both a spiritual and a strategic site, the Abbey has an extensive history. Originally the retreat of a woman named St. Casarie, then a Benedictine monastery, Saint-André became a royal Abbey in the 13th century, overseeing 211 priories nearby. Restored at the end of the 17th century by the King's architect Pierre Mignard, the abbatial palace has retained its elegantly vaulted rooms, grand entry doors and monumental staircase.Émile Bernard's murals as well as numerous collections of objects ranging from art to dinnerware to dolls may be seen during guided tours.
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Other Top Attractions around Villeneuve-les-Avignon

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • SteveSaporito
    Melbourne, Australia75 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots to see and the self guided pamphlets are great in describing the history of this monastery.

    The digital room gives you a look back in time as it would have looked like many years ago.

    A relaxing morning and a great coffee and cake at the end with a quick stop at the cafe
    Written October 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandra M
    Providence, Rhode Island4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited the abby in early May and found the gardens just as beautiful and inviting as all the literature said they were. The main house turned into a wonderful surprise when I found a small art museum in its lower level. There was a bit of everything including some wonderful flower canvases from an artist from Connecticut. It is a wonderful stroll through changing terrain with magnificent views of the Papal Palace as well as the fields and mountains ringing the area. Not surprisingly there was a small restaurant. The surprise was the quality. It's a small menu but what I had was fresh and wonderful. There was cheese (of course) that I though was just mozzarella but turned out to be an imported Italian cheese that while firm on the outside like mozzarella had a soft center. It was the end of the lunch service and the chef wandered out and we chatted. She showed me her kitchen and how all the items are chosen fresh daily at the farmers market. Except the cheese, she imports that from Italy. All in all the gardens, grounds, and cafe are worth the trip.
    Written August 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maz W
    Sheffield, UK28 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our visit to the Fort. Whilst we'd agree that the signage could be better, the signed walk around it, including up the towers and along the walls, provided lovely views for the reasonable entry price of 6E. Nice to see the olive and almond trees too. We were given an information leaflet in English and some of the digital displays offer an English version. The Abbey and Gardens are completely separate, privately owned and cost 9E. We didn't visit them. There is toilet in the ticket office- just ask.
    Written September 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chicago90Phoenix
    phoenix1,298 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I enjoy these small attractions as part of a package deal. Each place within this town connected the dots to the history, story line and the legacy.
    Written October 8, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dave OH
    Seoul, South Korea1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    During my trip to Avignon, I came across this little store and was very surprised to find a wonderful collection of movies stuffs inside. As a movie enthusiast, I was really impressed by what I discovered in this small village.

    The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable about movies. We had a great conversation about Asian movies that lasted for a while. They speak an excellent English and traveled extensively abroad, even Korea, my country : )

    Overall, it was a fantastic experience for me, and I would definitely recommend visiting this store if you love movies.

    And the region is so nice !
    Written May 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Phil D
    Woodland Hills, CA13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    All merchants bring elegant and quality products--not necessarily cheap though. The best is that after your shopping you can enjoy seafood and a glass of wine!
    Written December 11, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NCsoprano
    Charlotte, NC25 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although there is nothing elegant about this equestrian center, the horses are well-cared-for and willing. We took a two hour ride through caves, up and down mountainsides, through thick brush and to the top of a bluff with a 50 mile view. Our guide spoke almost no English and we spoke almost no French but that didn't seem to create any problems. My novice rider husband requested nothing faster than a walk but for the more experienced riders, the guide will offer the opportunity for a trot and canter. The price is very reasonable - 18 euro/person/hour. If we had been in Provence longer I would have gone again. Be aware that you will be riding in an English saddle.
    Written August 9, 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shiyun Serena L
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Flore is a very warm, knowledgeable and patient tour guide. We enjoyed our trip with her very much to Aix-en-Provence and Cassis.
    Written October 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.